Malik Williams Signs with Miami Heat
Former Louisville center Malik Williams has signed with the Miami Heat, the team announced on Wednesday. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Williams, standing 6-foot-11 and weighing 250 pounds, previously signed with the Toronto Raptors in April 2024 for his first NBA contract. He appeared in seven games and made two starts for the Raptors at the end of the 2023-24 season, averaging 2.7 points and 5.4 rebounds in 15.3 minutes per game.
Before joining the Raptors, Williams played for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Miami Heat’s G-League affiliate. In 33 games during the 2023-24 season, he posted solid numbers, averaging 11.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 43.6% from the field and 32.0% from three-point range.
Williams went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft and began his professional career overseas with Poland’s Anwil Wloclawek in the Polish Basketball League. During his time in Poland, he averaged 8.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 31 appearances.
At Louisville, Williams made history by becoming the Cardinals’ first three-time team captain. He played five seasons for the Cardinals, with his best year coming in his final season in 2021-22, where he averaged 9.5 points and 8.0 rebounds over 27 games and 25 starts. Over his collegiate career, Williams tallied 876 points, 677 rebounds, 87 blocks, and 52 assists in 122 games.
Now returning to the Heat organization, Williams will look to build on his NBA experience and potentially secure a long-term role with Miami.
As of now, there has not been an official announcement regarding Malik Williams’ debut date with the Miami Heat. Typically, a player’s debut depends on factors such as team needs, rotations, and his readiness after joining the roster. The Heat are likely to evaluate Williams in training and practice before determining when he will take the court.
For a more specific debut timeline, it would be best to monitor the Miami Heat’s official announcements or check game rosters leading up to the season.